Gleaning

To meet the Lord in the air - what a volume in those words! Nothing can give cheerfulness in the thought of treading a path never trod before, but the Lord Himself being there - meeting Him there.
The hope of the Lord's coming is a divine hope, centered in Himself; not only rejoicing in hope of the glory of God - more than that - waiting for Christ Himself, who, being now in the very highest of glory as Son of man in the glory which He had with God before the world was, will come forth from that glory to take us up. How are your hearts affected in regard to the thought of this Christ of God not only coming to throw open the Father's house, but coming Himself to be our joy? Can you say that the longing of your heart is flowing forth in the invitation continually ascending, "Come, Lord Jesus"? That blessed One has it in His heart to come, and if He speaks and says, "Surely I come quickly," have such words, dropping from His lips, the continual answer in your heart, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus"?
Gleaning
If you are not walking in practical holiness, you will be made to find it out in chastening. He cannot separate between the Head and the members, but He looks at our ways. The Lord is sanctifying us, body, soul, and spirit. What! is this corruptible body to be put apart for God? Yes! whether I eat or drink, or, whatever I do, all is to be for the glory of Christ. Are all the affections of my heart, all the thoughts of my mind, to be put apart? Yes; as a member of Christ, I have to walk in childlike faith, most watchful not to commit Christ to anything unlike Himself, because of being in vital union with Him. Ι may be but a hair of the head, the tiniest member, but God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Him; and being so blest, ought I not to walk accordingly - holy and without blame before Him in love?
G.V.W.